It’s the time of year to dust off your tennis racquets, grab a partner and have a hit, inspired by the professionals on display at the Caterpillar Burnie International. Tournament operations coordinator for Tennis Australia Jason Simmons said the event would serve up an economic ace. “On the accommodation side of things, it’s been great to bring so many visitors into town. It’s actually created some problems for us because we are trying to find some accommodation for a lot of players, so from that side of things it’s great to know that the town is very well booked out,” he said. “When players come they aren't just spending money in the motel, but they are also going out for dinners and buying food and shopping in the local town.” Mr Simmons said he was recently down at the Burnie waterfront where he saw many players visiting the penguins and enjoying the local tourist sites. “It’s great to be able to show off the Burnie region. The players take those fond memories and photos home and show all their friends and family,” he said. He said the tournament was known and recognised all around the world. “We live-stream the event around the world; all the matches are live-streamed, so people see Burnie, so even if they’re not here they see Burnie on their computer screens,” Mr Simmons said. “Players remember Burnie fondly. The event is known around the world. Lots of players that have played here in the past come back.” The tournament has been pushed forward week compared to previous years. “We used to follow the Australian Open, but now we are in the second week of the Australian Open which has improved the standard of the field quite noticeably,” Mr Simmons said. “As players are losing in the Australian Open they have another event that allows them to stay in Australia and play, so rather than losing in Melbourne and going home they are coming here, which is fantastic.” The tournament runs from January 21-27, with the men’s draw starting Monday and the women’s on Tuesday. Games begin at 10am. Afternoon games have been scheduled to suit people knocking off work. Visit the Club’s Facebook Page for more information.

The Burnie International tennis tournament is helping the local economy

Here to help: Donna Abell and Clayton Graham-Jones are on hand to help players out with their requirements during the tournament. A lot of volunteers help the club out during the week. Picture: Simon Sturzaker

It’s the time of year to dust off your tennis racquets, grab a partner and have a hit, inspired by the professionals on display at the Caterpillar Burnie International.

Tournament operations coordinator for Tennis Australia Jason Simmons said the event would serve up an economic ace.

“On the accommodation side of things, it’s been great to bring so many visitors into town. It’s actually created some problems for us because we are trying to find some accommodation for a lot of players, so from that side of things it’s great to know that the town is very well booked out,” he said.

“When players come they aren't just spending money in the motel, but they are also going out for dinners and buying food and shopping in the local town.”

Mr Simmons said he was recently down at the Burnie waterfront where he saw many players visiting the penguins and enjoying the local tourist sites.

“It’s great to be able to show off the Burnie region. The players take those fond memories and photos home and show all their friends and family,” he said.

He said the tournament was known and recognised all around the world.

“We live-stream the event around the world; all the matches are live-streamed, so people see Burnie, so even if they’re not here they see Burnie on their computer screens,” Mr Simmons said.

“Players remember Burnie fondly. The event is known around the world. Lots of players that have played here in the past come back.”

The tournament has been pushed forward week compared to previous years.

“We used to follow the Australian Open, but now we are in the second week of the Australian Open which has improved the standard of the field quite noticeably,” Mr Simmons said.

“As players are losing in the Australian Open they have another event that allows them to stay in Australia and play, so rather than losing in Melbourne and going home they are coming here, which is fantastic.”

The tournament runs from January 21-27, with the men’s draw starting Monday and the women’s on Tuesday. Games begin at 10am. Afternoon games have been scheduled to suit people knocking off work.